Sunday, September 18, 2011

As my daughters have grown from infants into the toddler and preschooler that they are today, we have gone through a wide variety of toys.

Some, such as the baby rattles and bouncy seats, have long been replaced with something more age-appropriate. However, there are others that we have had in the playroom since nearly the beginning and have gotten to see just how versatile and fun that they have been from a young age on.

A prime example: Little People. These classic friends and playsets have been a part of childhood for generations and have continued to play a role in the imaginative adventures that kids have known and loved.

The people, animals, farms, houses, towns, cars, and more have been ones that my girls have always had a great time pretending with, so there was zero doubt in my mind that they would enjoy the newly-released Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo.

This interactive playset includes all of the colorful style and impressive details that Fisher-Price is known for including, yet with innovative new animal recognition technology that brings it all to life.

Really, what kids can resist learning when it involves fun animal sounds? When this box arrived, there was no delay in getting right to work putting the Animal Sounds Zoo together so that the play could begin.

Even though Little Sister B would have been satisfied to play with the pieces individually, I managed to convince her that it would take only a few minutes before turning them into something more more entertaining.

Sure enough, after a quick glance at the instruction booklet, we had the entire thing put together and were able to get down to business having fun and being amazed at all of the sounds and possibilities that this toy provided.

Even better, with four habitats throughout the Zoo (Grasslands, North and South Poles, Jungle, Water), there was more than enough room on both sides for both Big Sister E and Little Sister B to play at once.

There are so many built-in details, that there isn't much chance of boredom with this playset. There's a moveable flag, perches and peek-a-boo openings, signs to show each animal's habitat, a Zookeeper Zack figure as well as a lion, polar bear and gorilla, and much more to keep kids completely entertained.

But the truly unique aspect occurs when any of the Little People Zoo Talkers animals are placed on the large red peg in front of the hut on the right and it recognizes that specific animal. The first time Little Sister B placed the gorilla on the peg and heard the name and corresponding sound, she was amazed!

When the girls weren't having a blast listening to all of the sounds that the animals made, they were still having fun with all of the other great features and surprises that they found throughout the Zoo. The pass-through cave and lion's perch in the Grasslands area for adventure as well as peeking through...

...the perch with squeaking sound effects in the Arctic...

...along with the winding waterslide leading down into the Water region below.

Waiting in the water is a hippo, whose mouth and sounds are controlled by the lily pad nearby, providing a little extra amusement and animal fun to those that are throughout the rest of the Zoo.

One of Little Sister B's favorite areas, the Jungle, features a spinning treetop that clicks, a teeter-totter that tilts back and forth, a peek-a-boo door for animals to hide behind (or to store them there) and a swing for lots and lots of gorilla playtime.

If all of the animal locations throughout this Little People Zoo weren't enough, there is also a cute ticket area with an easy-to-press platform area that activates fun phrases and short musical songs about each habitat.

The possibilities with this playset are endless! Once we had the 3 AA batteries (not included) installed, both girls returned to play with it over and over again. Each visit brought a new adventure and I was never sure what tale I would hear next that might emerge from their animal friends.

Featuring a built-in handle for easy portability, the Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo retails for around $40 and can be purchased directly from Fisher-Price, on Amazon or in stores nationwide. Additional Zoo Talkers Animals can also be purchased to increase the fun!

When it comes to animal sounds, parents everywhere can get in on the entertainment with their child a little further with the Little People Animal Sounds Contest. Simply submit a video of your child demonstrating his or her best roar, grrrr or squawk for the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to Fisher-Price headquarters in East Aurora, N.Y. for a special photo shoot!

Running until November 30th, entrants can submit their videos via website, iPhone or Android mobile devices as well as sharing their video links on Facebook to have friends and families vote. Along with the grand prize winner, 10 first prize winners will receive a Zoo Talkers toy prize pack valued at $100... so if you have a little one who loves to make animals noises, be sure to check out this fun contest!

(Other than the contest information and Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo that I was provided by Fisher-Price , I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this item, this company and their products.)